In an article by Aly Semigran, Conceptual Options helps explain everything you have ever wondered about egg donation. From a post on the site, Blood + Milk, you can educate yourself on the process, whether as an Intended Parent or an Egg Donor. We hope that you enjoy! Let us know if you have any additional questions or comments.

There are a number of reasons a woman may want to consider donating her eggs, whether she wants to help those in need who are trying to start their own families, or for the financial boost to start her own journey.

But no matter what those reasons may be, it’s one of the most generous things she can do in her lifetime. After all, donating one’s eggs provides the opportunity to have a baby for couples (including those with infertility issues and/or those in the LGBTQ community) who cannot conceive children on their own.

If you have ever considered donating your eggs, you may have a lot of unanswered questions and concerns. After all, it is a major life decision that has mental, financial, and physical implications to consider.

Things to Consider When it Comes to Egg Donation

We spoke to three respected professionals in the fertility field who gave us insights into the entire egg donation process, and everything a woman should think about when it comes to making this potentially life-changing choice, for both the donor and the parents.

Some of these necessary questions to ask one’s self, Klam says, include: “What agency will you work with? How do you know if they are the right agency for you? Are you going to be protected medically and financially, as well as psychologically, through continual support and education, even after their donation is completed? Will your emotional needs, if any, be addressed?”

Other considerations one must make, according to Robyn Perchik, the managing partner of Beverly Hills Egg Donation, are time commitments (the process takes anywhere from 3–4 months and can include between 10–12 appointments in that time frame), drug testing (“Many doctors and intended parents do not want donors who have positive drug screens for nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana, even where they are legal”), and donor contracts (“Will the intended parents use all the embryo, donate them to science, or donate the embryo to a third party?”).

Understand What is Involved Medically

“Furthermore, and just as important,” Klam notes, “Women who are considering egg donation need to speak with their treating IVF physician before, during, and after the process so they understand what is involved medically in the process.”

In fact, your overall health (including any current medications you are on) should be a key factor in the decision, explains Amity Herrera, a certified physician assistant at Red Rock Fertility Center. In addition to your own (and your family’s history) of mental illnesses, Herrera says that any other serious health history issues (specifically breast or ovarian cancer) can be disqualifying factors.

If you have made all these major considerations and you’re ready to take the first steps in donating your eggs, here are some other important questions to have answered.

What Are the Age and Weight Limits of Donors?

While every agency is different, the ages and BMI (body mass index) of potential donors tend to fall within a certain range. At BHED, “an egg donor is any female, generally between the ages of 21 and 29, with a BMI of less than 27,” while CO is “looking for donors who are 21-29, with a BMI of 25 and under.”

What is the Egg Donation Process Like?

Egg donation can be broken down into various parts, the first of which, Perchik explains, “is a basic pre-screen for donors who are qualified.” If a potential donor has passed the pre-screen process, they’ll fill out the application, which outlines personal and family health, education, and occupation, and may include a short essay on why you want to become an egg donor.

Once the information is reviewed, Perchik says the donor will have an in-person interview and will be asked to supply proof of identity, review policies, and provide transcripts. “If the donor successfully completes all these steps, we ask them to get a current PAP and STD test,” Perchik says.

After that, the donor will be in the program’s database, allowing parents who are looking for an egg donor to see your profile. Once a donor is matched with intended parents, Perchik explains there will be psychological screenings to decide whether the person is suitable to continue the process. From there, you’ll meet with a counselor to go over your health history, of which a report will be written. You’ll then have an initial medical appointment where a doctor will do a physical exam, ultrasound, and bloodwork.

“Once the donor is medically cleared, she will undergo an IVF cycle where she will take injectable medication for about 8-10 days on average,” Herrera says. “Once her eggs are mature, the clinic will give her a trigger shot to mature her eggs and get them ready for egg retrieval. Egg retrieval will be timed for 36 hours after the trigger shot.”

Perchik notes that the egg retrieval generally takes place within two weeks of the start of medication.

What Does Egg Donation Pay?

All of the experts we spoke to said this can vary, but the average compensation for a cycle can be anywhere from $5,000-$10,000.

Compensation, Klam explains, depends on “adherence to the doctor’s protocol, time, and risk with the financial amount they have requested.”

What is the Legal Process of Egg Donation?

Though it varies from each donor, parent, and clinic, Perchik says that legal process generally takes two weeks to complete when it comes to egg donation.

“We refer an attorney to the donor to review the Egg Donor Contract with her, the cost of which is paid by the intended parent,” she says, adding, “There are several things that come up in the Egg Donor Contract, which include a restatement of when and the amount the donor will be paid.”

The contract also covers any travel expenses, any potential future contact that has been agreed upon, as well as what will be done with the final disposition of the embryo (i.e. will they all be used or donated to science).

“Once both the intended parents and the donor have signed their agreement, the intended parent’s attorney will provide legal clearance to the doctor,” Perchik says.

What Does Egg Retrieval Entail/Feel Like?

Herrera says that the actual retrieval only takes about 15-20 minutes and is performed vaginally, under anesthetic sedation.

“The donor is in recovery for an hour, and then will be allowed to proceed home with a companion, never alone,” Perchik says.

Because a donor has had anesthesia, it’s suggested to take the rest of the day (and the following day) to relax and recover.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Egg Donation?

As with any procedure that has anesthesia, there are risks associated with that. Perchik also says that there could be possible bloating and cramping, similar to that of a menstrual cycle, after the egg retrieval process.

Flu-like symptoms are also a potential side effect of the retrieval, says Herrera, and “There is always a risk the donor can hyperstimulate so it is important to go to reputable clinics who are used to working with donors. The donor should not overheat, exercise or have intercourse during the cycle.”

How Many Times Can a Woman Donate Her Eggs?

“Although there is no rule or law regarding how many times a woman can donate her eggs, we recommend that a woman only donate a maximum of six times during her lifetime based on guidelines from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM),” says Klam. Exceptions can be made to this when it comes to what’s known as a sibling cycle.

“There is no current research that states that egg donation will impact an egg donor’s future fertility,” Klam says. “However, all of our egg donors are required to discuss any of their concerns regarding the egg donation procedure and/or medications with the IVF physician before she starts any egg donation cycle.

Klam also points out that “a woman is typically born with a million eggs, and she gives an average of only 10 to 20 eggs when she donates. An egg donor has many more eggs than she will ever use.”

What Are Some of the Biggest Misconceptions About Egg Donors/Donations?

There are a few, perhaps most notably that donors are simply in it for the money, says Herrera. “Donors are normal people who think they are doing something wonderful for a family while allowing themselves the ability to help with school or make plans for their future. Both parties give each other a gift.”

Another misconception is that parents of a baby that came from a donor will not have as strong a connection. But Herrera ensures, “I have never come across a family who used a donor egg and has been regretful. Most of the time, they wonder why it took them so long to move forward with a donor.”

The act of donating one’s eggs is perhaps one of the most generous and selfless things a woman can do. Those who can not conceive on their own need the help of egg donors to build their dreams of having a family.

Perhaps, you want to become an Egg Donor yourself. If so, there are a number of things to think about as you prepare yourself. How will performing a cycle affect me and my lifestyle? What does an egg retrieval entail? Well, we have the information you need to help you decide if Egg Donation is right for you as follows:

Finding the One

The truth is, Intended Parents search many, many databases and profiles to find their chosen Egg Donor. Finding the perfect Egg Donor can be one of the hardest parts of a person’s IVF journey.

Intended Parents all over the globe are looking for someone special to help them build their family. They are so grateful to the women who are willing to perform a donation. Certain characteristics and traits help them choose their lovely donor.

By helping them do something they can’t do on their own, you will receive an incredible amount of thanks and gratitude. In fact, some Egg Donors aren’t prepared for the overwhelming amount of love and appreciation they receive from their Intended Parents (whether anonymous or not).

Cycling

To be sure, donating eggs is an FDA approved, safe process that women have been doing for many, many years. Though each donor’s body may respond a little different, you should know that this is an approved and safe process, which will include the administration of several hormones that you’ll use to prepare yourself and your body for the egg retrieval.

These medications are administered in regulated amounts by licensed IVF doctors and clinics, and we only work with the best fertility clinics to ensure it’s done in a healthy manner. You will be consistently checked upon to ensure your ovaries are healthy and safe.

There may be occasional cramping or a little bloat, but this will pass. The cycle is usually only 11-13 days long.

The Final Day of Hormones

The actual retrieval is the easy part of the process. It’s a same day in same day out
procedure that many donors state as being seamless and peaceful.

Light anesthesia is used, and the procedure shouldn’t last more than an hour or so.

A Gift In Return

Compensation is your Intended Parents way of giving back to you for what you’ve given to them. While most Intended Parents state that no monetary amount will ever cover their gratitude, they are happy to compensate you for your commitment to them and to the egg donation process.

Donors use compensation for a variety of things like paying down loans, starting a business, or helping them get back on the right track financially.

The Gift of Donation

There are so many benefits to Egg Donation. It is a rewarding experience that you will always be glad you did.

Helping others who are in need is something that will change you as a person as you go throughout your life. When you’re ready to offer the ultimate gift to another person, contact Conceptual Options — we can help get you started right away.

One of the most important parts of your Egg Donation process is the legal contract. It is intended to make you feel comfortable, as well as to your Intended Parents whom you will be donating to.

Your generous act will assist a family in need, yet there are many moving parts to this process. The legal side to this process protects you in many ways and makes this a sound, ethical, and legal donation.

Here’s a few things to consider regarding contracts for Egg Donors:

The Nature of Contracts

There are many contracts that you will need to sign as an Egg Donor as you begin your cycle. First, you will sign a contract with Conceptual Options and the IVF Clinic, and then you will also sign a contract with your Intended Parents that is very specific and customized to your journey. You’ll even have input into certain aspects in terms of when and how you’d like to donate.

The contract will state where responsibilities lie, and what you can expect during your cycle. It clears up any gray areas in the world of Egg Donation. If you’d like to be anonymous, all of that is incorporated into your very own contract.

Are Contracts Needed for Egg Donors?

Contracts help everyone understand their full and complete responsibilities. This encourages all parties to do their best to help someone build their dream. It also ensures that you receive all that you are owed during the cycle. Contracts are nothing to be afraid of, in fact they should help you feel more comfortable.

For certain, an Egg Donation contract is put in place to ensure that you are protected, as well as the Intended Parents. If there is anything specific you think you’d like to request in your contract to make you feel more comfortable, all of that can be arranged with the fantastic legal team we work with.

Who Will Be Doing My Egg Donor Legal Work?

We work with some of these best legal experts in the world that know the “ins and outs” of Egg Donation. They will cross every legal point necessary to make sure everything is covered, and they will also make sure you feel comfortable and confident about the process.

You will first review the contract with your lawyer, and then state what changes you request if any. If the contract looks great to you, you sign it and send it right back to your lovely Intended Parents who are anxiously awaiting your approval.

Contracts Are A Good Thing

Contracts are a positive thing for all Egg Donors, including the disposition of the eggs/embryos and your rights as an Egg Donor.

Conceptual Options and your legal team will be here to help you in every step of the way. Regardless of if you want an open, semi-open, or anonymous donation, all of this can be tailored to you and your Intended Parents!

Whenever you’re ready to make a donation to a couple or individual who cannot conceive on their own, contact us today!